Chapter 805: Turning Point

Xu Fengnian, slightly tipsy, was clearing the remnants from the stone table when the two deputy commanders, Zhou Kang and Chen Yunshui, arrived together, their expressions grim. Xu Fengnian had a premonition and gestured for the two prominent border army figures to sit. Indeed, Chen Yunshui delivered grim news: Tian Heng, commander of the Youzhou cavalry, had split his forces. He sent Deputy General Yu Luandao with 20,000 cavalry to continue their detour to the outside of Hulu Pass, while the veteran general personally led 10,000 cavalry to intercept the iron hooves from Northern Mang's Liangliao eastern front. After three engagements of fighting and retreating, only 4,000 cavalry remained, all of whom died fighting at Jitouping, on the border between Youzhou and Hezhou. Yan Wenluan had to urgently redeploy 16,000 elite infantry from Youbei to reinforce and consolidate the Helan Mountain defense line in the northeastern part of Youzhou. During this time, Cai Nan, the Jiedushi of Lianghuai, remained inactive, determined to watch from the sidelines. This rendered the entire Hezhou region effectively defenseless, allowing Wang Sui's cavalry to advance unhindered directly towards Youzhou's eastern gate.

Chen Yunshui sighed, "Although we've long known the imperial court is unreliable, Cai Nan, who commands over 100,000 elite troops and was once Gu Jiantang's right-hand man, ultimately lacked even the courage to fight a symbolic battle. It's unclear whether this was Cai Nan's own decision or if Han Lin, the new Strategic Commissioner and a civilian official, secretly received instructions from Taian City."

The Brocade Partridge, Zhou Kang, snorted, "There's no difference. Cai Nan is a dog Gu Jiantang keeps outside, and Gu Jiantang himself is no better; he's just a dog the Zhao family threw into Liangliao. By avoiding battle this time and effectively handing over the vast Hezhou to Wang Sui, it's likely Cai Nan and Han Lin have a tacit understanding. The court wants Beiliang to suffer heavy casualties, while Gu Jiantang wants to preserve his strength for future negotiations with the Zhao family. Currently, the only truly loyal troops under Gu's command are Tang Tieshuang's Duoyan elite cavalry. If Cai Nan were to suffer heavy losses, he could forget about ever returning to Taian City in glory."

Xu Fengnian shook his head. "Actually, Cai Nan and Han Lin have communicated; both want to fight this battle. It's just that Han Lin wants to fight immediately, while Cai Nan is waiting for a secret letter from Gu Jiantang."

Chen Yunshui and Zhou Kang exchanged glances. Zhou Kang, being impulsive and unable to keep silent, lowered his voice and asked curiously, "Your Highness, is this intelligence from the Fushui Chamber?"

Xu Fengnian smiled. "Previously, in Taoshu Town at the foot of Wudang Mountain, I dealt with Yin Maochun and Han Lin's son. I took the opportunity to conduct a discreet transaction. This time, Han Lin voluntarily revealed the true intentions of the capital's central government, which I suppose is a display of sincerity towards Beiliang."

Zhou Kang was surprised. "That's truly strange. Could it be that the Zhao boy and Gu have had their brains squeezed by a door? How could they suddenly change their ways and become benevolent Bodhisattvas?"

Xu Fengnian revealed the truth in one sentence: "Gu Jiantang is forced to fight by circumstances. Not to mention his grudge with Wang Sui, the Prince Consort of Dongyue, Wang Sui's blatant departure from the eastern front is a direct affront to Gu Jiantang's reputation. No matter how patient Gu Jiantang is, he must consider public opinion both within the court and among the populace. The reason he wants Cai Nan to act later, I suspect, is to coordinate a major battle with the Liangliao border army. Before that, Wang Sui will naturally have to contend fiercely with our Youzhou defenders for a while, allowing him and Cai Nan to reap the benefits. For Gu Jiantang, this opportunity is simply too good. Once successful, the border situation between the two dynasties in Liangliao can instantly transform from a prolonged stalemate into a Liangliao advantage. As for the imperial court... Han Lin didn't say much, but I could infer some unspoken meaning: it seems someone proposed a highly aggressive strategy during a small court meeting. This strategy aims to use Jibei and Hezhou as bait to draw the enemy deep in. To complete this deployment, not only Cai Nan, but also Yuan Tingshan's remaining Li family's Yanbao private army, and the newly rising Deputy General Han Fang of Jizhou, will all become involuntary pawns."

Zhou Kang tutted, "This is a rare grand scheme from Taian City, Your Highness. Those old fogies who hold positions without performing duties, like Zhao Wei and Yang Shenxing, surely don't have this kind of courage, do they?"

Xu Fengnian hesitated, his expression unreadable. "It must be a plan devised by one of these three: Chen Wang, Left Sanqi Changshi of the Menxia Province; Sun Yin, who just packed up and left the Imperial Academy; or Lu Xu, the hermit who switched patrons from Prince Jing'an Zhao Xun. However, without the approval of Qi Yanglong and Huan Wen, and without the endorsement of Zhao Youling and Yin Maochun, this strategy is destined not to leave the capital to be conveyed to Han Lin in the local region."

Zhou Kang's expression was strange. "Why does it sound like Beiliang has received an immense favor?"

Xu Fengnian quipped, "You can't put it that way. Taian City, despite its wayward and willful nature, is ultimately acting to protect its own interests. Nevertheless, its actions are bound to surprise those on the sidelines."

After a laugh, Chen Yunshui said with concern, "Wang Sui's army pressing down, will it affect the battle at Hulu Pass?"

Xu Fengnian nodded. "Of course, there will be an impact, but Wang Sui still can't change the overall situation. And perhaps Wang Sui never even had that intention from the start. Yang Yuanzan, Liu Gui, and the re-emerged Huang Songpu are all obstacles to Wang Sui seizing military power in Northern Mang. Providing foresightful aid to Youzhou is already commendable in the eyes of the old lady and the Taiping Commander. Just watch: as long as Northern Mang's eastern front is bogged down by Gu Jiantang, coupled with the annihilation of Yang Yuanzan's army, Wang Sui will immediately stand out. He will rise from merely being a commander of one front to a powerful figure on par with Dong Zhuo. That day will be the true beginning of Wang Sui's ascent."

Chen Yunshui lamented, "It was bad timing to lose Hutou City, but there was nothing that could be done. Liu Jinunu had already done well enough. With the war having progressed this far, it's now a test of who can endure longer."

In the established strategies of Beiliang's older generation of strategists and military leaders like Li Yishan and Yan Wenluan, it was anticipated early on that Northern Mang would launch a full-scale southward attack on Beiliang. However, as for the specific breakthrough point, it was clear that areas like Lingzhou, Liuzhou, and Youzhou were more logical choices than the heavily fortified Liangzhou. However, Dong Zhuo made two unexpected moves. First, he pressed in on three fronts simultaneously, maximizing the compression of any single Beiliang cavalry unit's combat advantage on a particular provincial battlefield, and limiting the Beiliang border army's tactical ability to maneuver using their well-developed post roads. Second, he personally commanded the central army, launching a full-scale assault on Hutou City without regard for cost or casualties. "Coincidentally," he captured Hutou City, which was expected to hold out for another two to three months, precisely when the main elite cavalry forces outside Liangzhou Pass had secretly rushed to Hulu Pass.

Xu Fengnian said calmly, "This great war between Beiliang and Northern Mang has actually seen two turning points. The first was the rash sally by Wei Liang, the Fuling cavalry general. Both sides set ambushes, and looking back now, Dong Zhuo certainly had a bigger appetite at the time. Unfortunately, due to the unexpected intervention of Qifu Longguan, the young Fuling captain, both sides' intentions were thwarted, and Beiliang inadvertently escaped disaster. The second turning point was Dong Zhuo's attempt to use Liuzhou as a breakthrough point again, secretly detaching tens of thousands of Dong family's personal troops from the central line, only to be intercepted by Chu Lushan's 8,000 cavalry. I originally thought Hulu Pass would become the third turning point where Beiliang would seize the initiative..."

Xu Fengnian gave a self-deprecating smile. "It seems meaningless to talk about that now."

Chen Yunshui said solemnly, "Nearly 200,000 barbarian heads from Northern Mang, especially one like Yang Yuanzan's! Your Highness, how could that be meaningless?!"

Xu Fengnian was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Earlier in the council hall, I only spoke empty words and boasts to boost morale. Since you, Zhou Kang, have come to me directly, I will speak plainly and honestly."

Zhou Kang said somewhat sheepishly, "Whether you want to scold or praise, Your Highness, feel free. The fact that I could even walk into this courtyard today and wasn't turned away, I am already very content."

Xu Fengnian waved his hand. "Regarding the cavalry, outside Liangzhou Pass, you, Zhou Kang, have gathered 30,000 Left Cavalry, Qi Dangguo's Iron Buddhistic Cavalry, and Yuan Nanting's White Feather Guards. Adding He Zhonghu's scattered 40,000 Right Cavalry, we have a total of over 80,000. It can be said that most of Beiliang's border cavalry strength is here. On the infantry side, not to mention the forces already stationed in Huaiyang Pass and the towns of Liuya and Fuling, Gu Dazhu still commands 30,000, and General Chen, present here, also brought a portion of Youzhou infantry. You, Zhou Kang, are not wrong in not wanting to retreat to the Chongzhong area. However, Gu Dazhu is even more correct in fearing that all 30,000 Left Cavalry might be fully depleted in a war of attrition. Gu Dazhu's words hit the nail on the head: anyone and any troops outside Liangzhou Pass can die now, as long as the new city can be successfully completed before autumn in Xiangfu Year Three. Only then will their deaths be meaningful. Therefore, all troop deployments and attacks centered around Huaiyang Pass and Chongzhong must revolve around this objective."

Xu Fengnian poured a full cup of wine, dipped his finger into it, and quickly pointed on the stone table. "My first complete defense line outside Liangzhou Pass was centered on Hutou City, with the cavalry from Liuya and Fuling towns on its flanks in the rear used for skirmishes. Then, with the strategically important Huaiyang Pass and the defensively oriented Chongzhong and Qingyuan towns, these formed a second, smaller defense line within the larger framework, mutually supporting each other. Even if Hutou City fell, it wouldn't be a complete defeat. Now, without Hutou City as a thorn in their side, the Northern Mang army has spread out across the entire front. Currently, besides Chongzhong, Huaiyang Pass, and the three towns of Liuya, Fuling, and Qingyuan are all facing siege by Northern Mang infantry. In my opinion, Fuling and Liuya can be lost, and even Huaiyang Pass might not hold, but only Qingyuan Military Town cannot fall. Losing Qingyuan, which controls the western gate outside Liangzhou Pass, would not only force He Zhonghu's scattered 40,000 cavalry to withdraw, but it would also allow Dong Zhuo to attack Liuzhou however he wishes. Therefore, Zhou Kang, you need to reinforce Qingyuan, intercept Dong Zhuo's detached cavalry forces. You must not only prevent their too-smooth advance southward but also strive to decisively eliminate this cavalry force, which numbers over 40,000. For this, I will have Yuan Nanting transfer half of the White Feather Guards to assist you, creating a local numerical superiority in the Qingyuan area."

Zhou Kang frowned. "In that case, Gu from Chongzhong..." Zhou Kang suddenly noticed Xu Fengnian's subtle, strange look and quickly rephrased, "Won't Commander Gu be under too much pressure? With only 6,000 Iron Buddhistic Cavalry and half of the White Feather Guards, the battle at Chongzhong Military Town will completely lose its initiative."

Xu Fengnian glanced at the Brocade Partridge and said gravely, "So, this is the cost Gu Dazhu is paying by having the Chongzhong infantry act as a shrinking turtle, passively taking hits, to allow you, Zhou Kang, to gallop on the battlefield at Qingyuan."

Zhou Kang remained silent.

Xu Fengnian cautioned, "Beiliang cares immensely about the fate of Qingyuan, and Dong Zhuo can likely see whether Qingyuan will become a trap for Northern Mang's 'besiege a city to strike its relief force' strategy. Your Left Cavalry will need to make that judgment yourselves once you reach the battlefield. At that time, I hope you can resist the urge for military merits involving thousands, or even tens of thousands, of enemy soldiers. Once you fall into the main Northern Mang cavalry's encirclement, you should know that no one has the ability to conjure soldiers from thin air. I can't magically produce another 30,000 cavalry for the Qingyuan battlefield. Moreover, if the Left Cavalry and half of the White Feather Guards are counter-encircled by Northern Mang, never mind Qingyuan, even Chongzhong won't need to be defended. I, Gu Dazhu, and Old General Chen will have no choice but to retreat all the way to He Zhonghu's army, with only a newly constructed city behind us."

Zhou Kang suddenly asked in a low voice, "In the battle for Qingyuan, the intentions of both sides are still quite transparent. I believe, with Dong Zhuo's insight, there's a high probability that Northern Mang barbarians will attempt to besiege the city to draw out relief forces. At most, they wouldn't expect not only my entire 30,000 Left Cavalry but also the White Feather Guards to cooperate. Given this, Your Highness, why don't we simply target the Northern Mang ambush instead? I have confidence in our rangers; on our own territory, they will surely be able to precisely locate Northern Mang's hidden forces. Besides, even if we meet in a narrow pass and must fight hand-to-hand, Dong Zhuo's 'Crow Enclosures' are no match! Your Highness, rest assured, I, Zhou Kang, promise not to act on impulse. I will listen to Gu Dazhu; all skirmishes involving the Left Cavalry will prioritize preserving our strength."

Xu Fengnian shook his head without hesitation. "Fighting this battle at Qingyuan is merely an attempt to prevent Beiliang from becoming too passive. It's not that I don't want to take risks, nor that I don't want to make a grand gamble with Dong Zhuo on the sand table, but I cannot. Northern Mang can afford to gamble, they can afford to lose, and at worst, they can lose again. But we cannot squander a single opportunity."

At this point, Xu Fengnian smiled and asked, "General Zhou, 'the toad demands life, the snake demands to be full' – do you feel very stifled?"

Zhou Kang chuckled. "It is a bit frustrating, but I am, after all, an old soldier who followed the Great General through years of blood and turmoil during the Spring and Autumn periods; I know what's important. However, to be frank, after arriving in Beiliang and experiencing so many years of smooth sailing, if Your Highness hadn't arrived at Chongzhong this time, Gu Dazhu might not have been able to stop me."

Chen Yunshui, who had been quiet, said thoughtfully, "Indeed, we need to reflect. Your Highness, you witnessed and heard what happened in the council hall today. Besides Commander Gu, I fear none of us, myself included, could stomach this. Yes, for twenty years, our Beiliang border army has contended with the Northern Mang barbarians; not to mention battles of a few hundred, in battles involving over ten thousand, we have never lost once. So, when Hutou City suddenly fell this time, severely diminishing the impending victory at Hulu Pass, we all seemed to be momentarily stunned. If we can't get this straight, we might suffer a huge loss this time. Your Highness, I'm not flattering you, but your arrival this time was very timely."

As Xu Fengnian saw Zhou Kang and Chen Yunshui off, he added, "If Dong Zhuo has two or even more large-scale ambushes set up in Qingyuan, your Left Cavalry might consider retreating to the west. If that fails, make a detour and then return to Chongzhong."

Zhou Kang froze. "West? Your Highness, not far to the west, we'll be bordering Liuzhou, won't we?"

Xu Fengnian said nothing.

Zhou Kang's eyes suddenly lit up. "The battle in Liuzhou, can we win it?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled softly. "Kou Jianghuai and Shi Fu are both generals capable of turning the tide. As for whether they can achieve it, whether they can make the Qingyuan cavalry battle the third turning point in the great war between Liang and Mang, let us wait and see."